Opera fans who attended a controversial show that caused numerous people to faint and vomit have spoken out about the gruesome detail that shocked them the most.
Performances of Florentina Holzinger’s Sancta Susanna have taken place at the state opera in Stuggart, Germany since October 5.
First composed in 1921, it includes actual lesbian sex, real blood and live piercing on stage.
The graphic nature of the show was more than some could handle, with 18 people needing medical attention after suffering from shock and nausea, the Daily Mail previously reported.
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Sancta Susanna is meant to be a ‘radical version of the Holy Mass,' made up of just one act in which performers narrate the tale of a nun exploring her sexuality.
Elsewhere, the bizarre performance featured a nude, roller-skating nun and a small person dressed as the Pope being swung around by a mechanical arm, according to the Mirror.
One scene even depicts an oral sex act involving a crucifix. But it wasn't the crude sexual exploits that caused one attendee to faint.
Taking to Reddit, opera fans discussed their own experiences of the bizarre show.
Referring to the catalogue of shocking details, one person wrote: "I'm sorry...Real blood?" as a second responded: "Yep. And cutting a small piece of flesh from one of the performers’ body (and later grilling and eating it)."
They continued: "I saw it in Schwerin last May. Embarrassed to admit it but I fainted during this flesh-cutting episode."
Another weighed in: "I was at the opening night in Stuttgart. It was an incredible experience. The flesh-cutting went on longer than I would have hoped and there was a close up camera that was shown on the big screens. Then that piece was BBQed and eaten."
They added: "I have many thoughts. But overall an incredible experience."
Despite the viral controversy surrounding the show, a spokesperson for the opera wasn’t backing down. Instead, they told the Mail that the front row visitors would have known ‘what they are letting themselves in for’.
Meanwhile, the show's description states: "Some aspects of the evening may cause discomfort for certain individuals, and for others, they may even be retraumatizing. The focus of the evening is on spirituality and sexuality, but also on criticism of religion and a critical examination of religious and societal violence."
The opera is set to end its run on November 3 with seven performances lined up. So if you're curious, you still have chance to book a ticket. Rather you than me.
Topics: Germany, Religion, Sex and Relationships, Art
Ellie Kemp